Brighten up the season with the Ocala Christmas Light Spectacular.
Now in its third year, the Ocala Christmas Light Spectacular continues to grow, becoming a cherished holiday tradition.
Presented by St. John Lutheran Church and School and hosted by the Florida Horse Park, the popular event features updates sure to make it a celebration for all ages.
Enjoy the 1.8-mile drive-through light show and experience a colorful, animated winter wonderland. Attendees will be happy to learn the road through the park is now paved.
As you take in the light displays, Christmas music will stream through a radio frequency so you can sing along in your car or just enjoy the holiday tunes as background. One section of the RGB light display will be synchronized with the music. Your journey ends with a 22-foot-tall Nativity scene.
Following the drive-through portion, you can either exit or park your vehicle and walk to visit Santa Land, which is included with your paid carload admission.
Festivities continue in the labyrinth and walk-through area, also featuring a synchronized light display. Santa Land offers train rides, bounce houses and slides, crafts, puppet shows and, of course, Santa! (Catch Santa every weekend and Christmas week December 18-23.)
Young kids can safely play in a separate area with bounce houses and activities for ages 4 and under.
Food trucks and live music enhance your evening visit.
To truly get into the spirit of the season, pull on a pair of skates and glide away on the synthetic ice rink. (Skate tickets are for sale in Santa Land.)
Fun fact: This year one happy couple will tie the knot on Santa’s stage. They went on their first date at the inaugural event in 2021 and got engaged last year under the giant Christmas tree. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Humphrey!
New this year is the Ocala Christmas Light Spectacular 5K on November 18, featuring a run-walk through the lights. Cost to participate is $35. Proceeds benefit Interfaith Emergency Services, Hands of Mercy Everywhere, Education for Life and North Marion Ministries. Sign up for the 5K at runsignup.com.
The Ocala Christmas Light Spectacular runs November 24 through December 30 (closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve). Hours are 6 to 10pm, Friday through Sunday and December 18-22. Monday through Thursday until December 15, hours are 6 to 9pm.
On weekends (Friday throughSunday) and Christmas week (December 18-23) all activities are up and running every night.
Even after Santa and his train have headed back to the North Pole, you can enjoy all the other Santa Land activities from December 26-30.
“We’re excited to once again share the meaning of the season with our community,” says Tracy Williams, director of finance at St. John. “Come spend your holidays with us.
“The future of the light show depends on corporate and individual sponsorships, donations and volunteers,” she says. “We cannot do it without your help.”
To become a sponsor, make a donation or help in any way, email [email protected].
Ocala Christmas Light Spectacular
November 24-December 30
Event entrance:
11851 SW 16th Avenue, Ocala
Last vehicle allowed in the gate 30 minutes prior to closing.
Friday-Sunday, December 18-23: $40 at gate per car* (standard car, SUV, truck or minivan), $35 purchased in advance on website
Monday-Thursday up to December 15: $25 per car (standard car, SUV, truck or minivan)
Any day: $60 15-passenger van/mini bus, $100 regular-size bus
*For safety’s sake, carload pricing applies to a vehicle containing no more occupants than the number of seatbelts.
Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve.